Metanováčekite is a secondary uranium mineral often found as thin, yellow tabular crystals or crusts in oxidized hydrothermal zones. It is closely related to nováčekite and is distinguished by its hydration state and distinct UV fluorescence.
Is this metanováčekite?
5-step field checkRun through these checks against the specimen in your hand. The more boxes tick, the more confident the ID.
- 1Test the hardnessTry to scratch metanováčekite with a known reference. Metanováčekite sits at Mohs 2-2.5, softer than the next harder reference, harder than the previous one.
- 2Check the streakDrag the specimen across an unglazed porcelain plate. Streak: yellow white.
- 3Read the lusterHold the specimen under a strong light. Luster: vitreous.
- 4Match the color rangeCompare against the expected color range: yellow, light yellow.
- 5Look at form & habitCrystal system: tetragonal. Typical habit: tabular crystals.
Often confused with
Metanováčekite vs. its common look-alikes, and how to tell them apart in the field.
Often found alongside metanováčekite
Minerals reported to co-occur with metanováčekite. Spotting these in float or country rock is a strong cue you are in the right ground.
All properties
- Chemical formula
- Mg(UO₂)₂(AsO₄)₂·8-12H₂O
- Mohs hardness
- 2-2.5
- Density
- 3.51 g/cm³
- Colors
- Streak
- Yellow white
- Luster
- Vitreous
- Transparency
- Translucent
- Crystal system
- Tetragonal
- Crystal habit
- Tabular crystals
- Cleavage
- Perfect on {001}; good on {010}
- Fluorescence
- Dull green under SW and LW UV
- Rarity
- Rare
- Uses
- Collector
- Host rock
- Typically a dehydration product of nováčekite
Where rockhounds find metanováčekite
Classic worldwide localities
- Sue mine, Cherry Creek area, Gila Co., Arizona, and on Twin Mountain, Comanche Co., Oklahoma, USA
- Black Forest, from the Anton mine, Heubachtal, near Schiltach, Germany
- Michael mine, Weiler, near Lahr, Germany
- Clara mine, near Oberwolfach, Germany
- Weisser Hirsch mine, Schneeberg, Saxony, Germany
- Ellweiler, Rhineland-Palatinate, Germany
Field-hunting tip
Where it forms: Typically a dehydration product of nováčekite. If you start seeing nováčekite, bassetite, saléeite in float, you are in the right ground. Typical habit: tabular crystals. Train your eye for that shape before scanning the outcrop.
Common questions
How do you identify metanováčekite?+
Where is metanováčekite found?+
Is metanováčekite safe to handle?+
What rocks look like metanováčekite?+
What minerals are found with metanováčekite?+
What kind of rock does metanováčekite form in?+
What is metanováčekite used for?+
Find metanováčekite on the map
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